artsy forager

Tag: Paintings

  • October Featured Artist: Jennifer JL Jones

    October Featured Artist: Jennifer JL Jones

    Happy October!  No more of that foolin’ around, Indian summer stuff.  We are now well into Fall and I couldn’t be more thrilled.  I’m equally excited to share with you the work of our October Featured Artist, Jennifer JL Jones!  One of the things I love most about Fall is the cozy atmosphere that permeates each day and night and exploring Jennifer’s work, with its warm, ethereal light is the perfect way to kick off the season!

    She Hath Wings by Jennifer JL Jones Mala by Jennifer JL Jones Okika by Jennifer JL Jones

    Le Petit Jardin 11 by Jennifer JL Jones

    Le Petit Jardin 2 by Jennifer JL Jones

     Here in the Northwest, we can go for days, even weeks without seeing the sun, but the light still manages to pierce the veil, even through falling leaves and raindrops.  It is this same aura of light breaking through and of fluttering movement that draws me again and again to Jennifer’s work.  In her most recent series, Sojourn, the work increasingly free and joy filled.. the atmosphere is ablaze.

    If you’d like to see more of Jennifer JL Jones’ work, please visit her website and Facebook page.  A trip over to the Artsy Forager Facebook page will also give you a glimpse into an album of some of my own favorites of the artist’s work.  Florida Artsies can see Jennifer’s work, along with three other talented artists in Synergy, opening October 18th at Stellers Gallery in Ponte Vedra Beach.  Don’t miss it!  Not in Florida?  Check out her website for a list of representing galleries around the country.

    All images are via the artist’s website.

  • We are Surrounded: Meghan Howland

    We are Surrounded: Meghan Howland

    I’ve written before about the impervious nature of technology in our lives.  You’re probably tired of reading about it, especially as I’m contributing to it by writing a blog.. umm.. dang.  But it’s such an intriguing subject to me and such a careful balancing act we play with it, that I can’t help but see the references in artists’ work from time to time.  In these paintings by Portland, Maine artist Meghan Howland, I see the artist conveying many of the conflicting emotions we encounter in this technology we interact with daily.

    Wake Up by Meghan Howland Folly by Meghan Howland Premature by Meghan Howland Meghan Howland Estatica by Meghan Howland

    Pale figures, starkly lit glow eerily as they are surrounded by beauty– birds, flowers– some soft, some seeming savage.  Do you see the connection?  Maybe I’m reaching.  What springs to mind for me is the way we use social media to show the best of ourselves, to unintentionally inspire envy in others when all we show is the most fabulous version of our lives.  When we don’t mention our struggles, the piles of laundry, the failures, alongside the beautiful moments, we create an unreal, imaginary life.  We gain followers who voyeuristically join our journey, yet heap praise on what isn’t our real selves, but a persona of our own making.

    I admit, I find myself censoring and editing what I share.  Mainly because, at my core, I’m a deeply private person, a bit uncomfortable with so much sharing.  But also because so much of the time, life is just what it is.  Day by day, it is beautiful in and of itself, but not necessarily Instagram photo worthy.  But why not?  Are we so scared of tarnishing our “brand” that we don’t allow ourselves to be authentic anymore?  I hope not.  What do you think, Artsies?  Do you censor what you put out there for the world to see?  Or are you all in, dirty dishes and all?

    If you’d like to see more of Meghan Howland‘s work, please visit her website.  If you’re in New York ( lucky! I love New York in the Fall! ), her work can be seen in person at TNC Gallery.

    All images are via the artist’s website.

  • Finding My Own Artsy: Dropping the Ball, Picking Up the Brush

    Finding My Own Artsy: Dropping the Ball, Picking Up the Brush

    I feel like such a slacker, ya’ll.  Not in general, because I’m working my little tushy off doing freelance work for art consultants, galleries and artists— which I’m super excited about!  The business of being artsy is picking up steam, but the act of doing anything truly artistic has been on the back burner for what feels like a long time.  And I’m definitely feeling its absence.

    paintsIt’s funny how being in the desert, which wasn’t necessarily our ideal spot, fostered a creative spark I hadn’t felt in a while.  I think it had much to do with three things:  the lack of distractions around us, Mr. F doing online coursework meaning lots of evenings and weekends I was left at loose ends, and probably the main reason– a lack of tv in our Joshua Tree rental.  I’m working hard, sitting in front of the laptop for at least 8 hours each day and there is always more to be done, so I’m finding it difficult to truly disconnect.  But I do so want to.  But this blank page is very intimidating right now!

    sketch padI want to start a little daily creative ritual.  But where to begin?  I’m almost fearful of even mentioning it here because what if I punk out and don’t keep up with it?  So I want to know, especially from those that are working artists AND working at another job– how do you carve out the time?  Do you find yourself doing little things daily or do you save up all that energy for occasional, long, productive creative bursts?

    brushes

     

    And any recommendations for a small paint-friendly sketch book?  The paper in my current sketchbook is more for dry media and I’d really like to start a little daily paint practice of some kind.  I know, excuses.  Just wanted to through this out there, let you know that if you’re struggling with the same, you are not alone!

    All images by Artsy Forager.

  • Abstract World: Isabel Bigelow

    Abstract World: Isabel Bigelow

    Sometimes, it isn’t a matter of what you see, but how you see it.  Perception can be a funny thing.  Often, Mr. F & I will watch the same movie but get something totally different from it. Or we’ll look at a scene and I’ll zero in on one thing, while his eye notices another.  The simplicity of these paintings by Isabel Bigelow remind me that what each eye focuses on is as unique as the person they belong to.

    Partial Arch by Isabel Bigelow Isabel Bigelow collage

    Bigelow zeros in on simple shapes, isolating them against monochromatic backgrounds, leaving us to wonder– am I seeing what I think I’m seeing? Or am I seeing something else entirely?  The shapes become even more ambiguous when we turn the paintings on their sides or upside down.

    Yellow Mushroom by Isabel Bigelow

    Bigelow_Wings Turquoise

    Fluke by Isabel Bigelow

    But maybe that’s a good thing, this act of seeing differently.  We can focus too closely on our own perceptions, forgetting that there are other angles of viewing.  Not wrong, just different.

    If you’d like to see more of Isabel Bigelow‘s work, please check out her work on the Sears Peyton Gallery website.

    All images via the Sears Peyton Gallery website.

  • Enhanced Beauty: Spiros Halaris

    Enhanced Beauty: Spiros Halaris

    We all have our product loyalties.  Mr. F is fiercely loyal to King Arthur Flour, for instance.  Sometimes, as in Mr. F’s case, it’s about how the product performs, in others, it’s because we are enchanted by not just the product, but the packaging.  New York based illustrator Spiros Halaris has created a charming series of illustrations celebrating the Aesop brand of beauty care products.

    Spiro Halaris Spiro Halaris Spiro Halaris Spiro Halaris

    Halaris’ illustrations show crumbled, well used and presumably well loved tubes of Aesop balms and lotions against a drawn illustration of berry branches.  In looking at these pieces, I’m reminded of the connection between nature, beauty products, and paint.  All can be used to beautify in different ways and there is a natural bridge between found beauty in nature, enhanced beauty with cosmetics, and created beauty in paint.

    Spiro Halaris

    If you’d like to see more of Spiros Halaris‘ work, please visit his website.  You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Behance.

    All images via the artist’s website.  Artist found via Trendland.

  • Avian Flesh: Amy Judd

    Avian Flesh: Amy Judd

    Birds must have magically wonderful lives, don’t you think?  I’m always envious of their freedom and grace, their ability to walk on land, swim through the water ( well, some birds ), and fly to far off places.  As delicate as they may seem, birds are strong, hearty creatures.  In her series of avian paintings, London artist Amy Judd beautifully explores the relationship between woman and bird that has been the subject of many a myth and tale.

    Awakening by Amy Judd Beautifully Obscure by Amy Judd Amy Judd Black Laurel by Amy Judd

    Tulip Crest by Amy Judd

    In Judd’s work, the feathers serve as armor, a sign of strength and dignity.  Their delicacy belies the protection they offer, just as in their avian counterparts.  Classically lit figures glow ethereally as if somehow transformed by their gossamer shields.

    To see more of Amy Judd‘s work, please visit her website.

    All images are via the artist’s website and Facebook page.  Artist found via My Modern Metropolis.

  • Color Harvest: The Blush of Faded Blooms

    Color Harvest: The Blush of Faded Blooms

    As summer passes into fall, those vibrant brights we’ve embraced in the heat slowly begin to fade into pale grey and warm, rosy light.  I’ve always loved this in-between season, when the afternoon light begins to glow with the promise of cool evenings and coming snows.

    CH_fadedblooms

    With the change brings a turn back to delicate, cool tones echoing the coziness of the months ahead.  I want to bathe myself in these gentle hues!  Below you can see just a few of the dustings of blush I’ve been foraging over on Pinterest..

    Blush collage

     clockwise, from top left: Rue de Emily | Stephen Edwards | Andrea Gulickx | Susan Hall | Amanda Clyne | hiperboles

    I’m ready to embrace this new season in all its guises.  How about you?  I’m collecting more autumnal inspiration over on my new Pinterest board, Artsy Welcomes Autumn.  Come over and check it out!

    All image sources linked above.

  • Organic Liquidity: Julie Evans

    Organic Liquidity: Julie Evans

    Do you ever find yourself fascinated by the way certain substances act and react?  I’m always intrigued by how different types of liquid interact.. the way oil floats on water, how you can make those pretty drinks by layering the heavier liquid at the bottom of the glass.  New York artist Julie Evans takes advantage of liquid reactions in her abstract creations of water-based media on mylar.

    Swishbone #3 by Julie Eveans Swishbone #6 by Julie Evans Twolip by Julie Evans Carnivore by Julie Evans Swishbone #2 by Evans

    These Rorshach-like works seem to take on different forms depending on your perspective.. appearing at once botanical, sea creature-ish, even like organs in our own bodies.  What I’m most intrigued by is the various consistencies that the media seem to take on throughout each composition, lovely transparently thin layers melt into deep pools of pigment.

    You can see more of Julie Evans‘ work on her website.

    All images are via the artist’s website.  Artist found via Sears Peyton Gallery.

  • What Lies Beneath: Antonio Santin

    What Lies Beneath: Antonio Santin

    So here’s the thing.  When I first saw these paintings by Antionio Santin in my Pinterest feed courtesy of designboom, I loved the palette and hyperealism and unusual subject matter.  I immediately repinned them for featuring later on the blog.  Then, before I had a chance to write about these paintings, I started seeing other people post about there being bodies under the carpets!

    Santin_Nubes O Nieblas Santin_Missing Edna santin-marearojaHR Santin_Agatha Santin_Spiel

     

    Santin began his artistic journey as a sculptor and has since focused much of his work on the figure, namely women who seem to have met their fate, with pattern often playing a large role in his compositions.  A natural progression then, to place the body instead of on top of the carpet, under it?  Much more subversively sinister, to be sure.  But nonetheless, beautifully rendered work!

    If you would like to see work by Antonio Santin, please visit his website.  You can also read an interview with the artist and get a peek into his Berlin studio here.

    Antonio Santin, Painter in his studio in Berlin Wedding

     

    All art images are via the artist’s website.  Studio image via Freunde von Freunden.

  • Artsy Lately: Anna Kincaide

    Artsy Lately: Anna Kincaide

    How long has it been since I’ve done an Artsy Lately feature?  Way too long, if you ask me! Especially since sooo many of the artists whose work has been featured on AF are continually amazing me!  This young artist has been working hard and when I saw what she’s been up to, I just had to let you see.  Tallahassee artist Anna Kincaide knows that the way to grow as an artist is to continually practice your craft and experiment.  She’s playing with color and pattern these days and I’m loving this direction!

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    20130910-214124.jpg

     

    Catwalk is part of a series the artist completed for the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at Florida State University.  Perfect!  If you’d like to see more of Anna Kincaide‘s work, please visit her website and Facebook page.  Want to see more of what AF featured artists are up to?  Follow the Artsy Lately Pinterest board!  If you’re an artist whose work I’ve featured and you haven’t received an invite to participate in the board, shoot me an email at lesley(at)artsyforager.com!

    All images are via the artist’s website.